Pete McMullen has crammed plenty into a twelve month window.
The richly talented young horseman married long-time partner Chantal Turpin, won the Australian Drivers Challenge (in Adelaide) before representing his country in the World Driving Championships (in Sydney) while recently welcoming his first child, Rylee Amy.
And by capping it all off, he landed his maiden Group 1 winner on the weekend.
McMullen, 24, took the winning the behind the Blake Fitzpatrick trained My Valerie in the $50,000 Statewide Group Darrell Alexander Memorial Trotting Championship at Albion Park.
“It’s been quite a busy period in my life but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it; the wedding day was unbelievable while Chantal and I have started our own family and that’s been an amazing experience. The results on the track have been very rewarding too, both Chantal and I registered century seasons again and to win my first Group 1 is a major thrill.” McMullen said.
My Valerie finished with a spirited burst to run down race favourite Cyclone Lucky Seven and Ivanov in a time of 2;01.8 for the 2647m stand start feature.
The Majestic Son – Xena Hest mare was placed in both qualifying heats and was considered a leading threat to the heavily fancied Cyclone Lucky Seven and defending champion Our Overanova.
McMullen drove a canny race by making an early move which had My Valerie racing handy to the leaders, as the pressure intensified, My Valerie responded under the urgings of McMullen before scoring a decisive victory.
“I thought she had a good shot following her heat runs and once she made such a great beginning, I was happy to take closer order and keep within reach of the favourites. When I asked to go again off the back straight the final time, she responded quickly and sprinted sharply.
“Scott (Miller) and Shannon (Price) have been looking after her up here for Blake and they told me she’s kept improving which gave me plenty of confidence. I didn’t think my first Group 1 winner would come via a trotter but I’m happy to take it, she’s a tidy little mare with good speed and manners.
“I really like working with the trotters, always have and it’s great to win this race which is named after an outstanding horseman. It’s the biggest trotting race on the calendar up here and it’s great to be a winner now.”
My Valerie is raced by Pat Driscoll’s Yabby Dam Farms Pty Ltd.
The victory also capped a scintillating two week period for McMullen who has landed 15 winners during that time which includes a winning quartet, a treble and three doubles.
McMullen currently sits third on the state driver’s premiership behind Shane Graham and Mathew Neilson.
“It’s been a great start to the new season and hopefully it continues, it would be great to grab another Group 1 race or two before seasons end.”
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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